Computer Parts Intercepted by NSA

Although not confirmed by any United States agency, information has been provided within a German report from Der Spiegel that states that the NSA intercepts computers parts that are in transit for consumers. The NSA allegedly has their Office of Tailored Access Operations, or TAO, intercept computer hardware and accessories in order to install malware or hardware components. These components allow the NSA to have access to the said computer in which the hardware or accessory is installed. Der Spiegel has not provided any source for their information, though the German publication is an entity that has processed information leaked by former NSA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden. The news agency additionally reports that the NSA is able to intercept crash reports provided by computers running Windows Operating Systems.